Which mobile?

PERSONAL TECHNOLOGY

A plethora of mobile phone models and 'unique' features means more confusion for the consumer. So which instrument is good for you? Do you really need all the features contained in it? Are you getting value for the money?

Since prices are going down almost everyday, the focus of this piece is not on it. Rather, we will look at the utility value. But before you start, think how frequently and at what time of the day are you likely to use it.

Then decide why you want a mobile. Would you be better off using a phone booth in emergencies? Look at the price plans. Are you a heavy user, a weekend and/or off-peak user, or an emergency user?

That decided, tackle the handset.

What options do you need or want in the phone?

1. Voice mail is important
2. E-mail options are necessary only if you are on the move all the time
3. Stock quotes and news - only if your survival hinges on such information
4. Camera: for hectic outstation travellers
5. Calendars and phone books: very important
6. Recording facility: good for reporters
7. Picture editor and composer: not strictly necessary
8. PDAs: they are becoming essential now

The two most important features to look for that are overlooked:

Alpha-numeric address book: It is much easier to scroll through any phone numbers you have stored on your phone by looking at the names versus trying to remember who's number is whose.

Locking key pad: Prevent any unauthorised use of your phone.

The three overrated features that everyone wants

Games: These will keep one's attention for about 10 minutes. Otherwise, it is just a drain on battery life. But one must admit, the quality of the games available is improving by leaps and bounds. But don't buy a phone just for it.

Downloadable ring tones: Mostly annoying.

Internal PDA functions: A PDA with cell phone functions is much more useful than the inefficient cell phones with PDA functions.

The battery

The battery is the lifeblood of your mobile phone. With a flat battery, it is of little use, and one of the biggest frustrations of mobile phone use is the life of the battery.

Designers of mobile phones try hard to minimise the power they use, which gives longer service from smaller, lighter batteries, but although the power used on standby drops through clever design, the power needed for the transmitter does not.

This means that a phone with a week or more of standby time may still only manage an hour or two of calls before its battery is flat.